Congressional Notifications

August 10, 2010  75th Anniversary of the Unemployment Insurance Program

Gubernatorial Staff,

We are approaching a very important anniversary. On the afternoon of August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act. This groundbreaking piece of legislation marked the beginning of the federal-state Unemployment Insurance program. During the past 75 years, millions upon millions of workers who lost jobs through no fault of their own have received unemployment benefits. This vital program allows workers to continue to support their families while they get back to work.

Enclosed are a fact sheet and a history of the program. Tomorrow, Wednesday August 11, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis will issue a statement marking the anniversary of the Unemployment Insurance program. We ask that you forward the attached information to appropriate media contacts tomorrow to help us acknowledge the history of the program and its continuing positive impact. A copy of the Secretary's statement will be available at www.dol.gov.

Unemployment continues to play a major role in supporting workers when layoffs occur. It is important that we recognize the key role that the program plays in supporting the economy. For 75 years Unemployment Insurance has been there when times turn tough. We hope that you will join us in marking this occasion, and in spreading the news of the upcoming anniversary.

Should you have questions regarding this announcement, please contact Elmy Bermejo, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Labor, at 202-693-4600 or bermejo.elmy@dol.gov.